Education System
Each state and territory of Australia has its own primary and secondary education system. Standards, however, are high and reasonably uniform. Within each state and territory system there are two main types of school-government and non-government schools. In government schools, attended by about two thirds of children, tuition is free. About three-quarters of the non-government schools are Catholic. Most non-government schools charge tuition fee.
Throughout Australia, schooling is compulsory between the ages of 6 and 15 years (16 in Tasmania).

Secondary Schools
There are two major curriculums for students in Australia’s secondary school system: academic subjects and practical training, to let the students have more choices for their future planning. In the beginning, there are basic courses for all students: English, mathematics, science and PE. Schools also have other optional subjects. In junior grades, students are required to attend some certain courses; while in senior grades, students are encouraged to choose subjects that fit them. In the last two years of Secondary Schools, students are prepared to go to universities, public Technical Institutions or private institutions.

Colleges, Technical Training Institutions and other Community Colleges
Post-secondary education in Australia occurs in colleges of technical and further education (TAFEs). There are a few private colleges in the technical education field, too, but most of Australia’s approximately one million TAFE students attend state administered colleges, undertaking pre-vocational, vocational, educational and recreational studies. Tens of thousands of foreign students study in Australia each year at universities, colleges, secondary schools and private institutions.